Cultural Intelligence is an Acquirable Skill Set

 
Cultural Intelligence > Forum Log in

Cultural Intelligence is an Acquirable Skill Set
Sudheendra, Consultant, India

A cultural misfit generally happens to be a business / organizational misfit irrespective of "Equal Opportunity" being practiced in these areas.
This is due to the feeling of alienation the culturally misfit person's behavioral aspects which might not be acceptable in the recipient society.
When there is a discord at such a grass root level, business or team working becomes difficult. Dress codes, manners, etiquette, usage of language etc are all indicators of culturally induced behavior.
An indifference of this type can occur or be visible in the person who is determined as a misfit even without his/her knowledge. Here is the learning or training part which can bring out such deficiencies and inculcate proper and relevant cultural behavior in people.
Expectations of a cultural nature are different not just with geography, but also upbringing, conditioning, age group and not to forget, religion plus a host of other factors.
Adaptability is the key and the more adaptable will survive. 		 

 
Cultural Relocation / Adaptation
Osama Kamal, Management Consultant, Egypt
Newcomers in a culture have to be willing to perform some cultural relocation. It is a mind set that has to be adapted. I recently moved to Qatar. Cultural adaptation comes slowly from the the old culture - people and friends. The business society is like a one way train. All have to cope with this, one way or the other.
  

 
Cultural Re-orientation
Sudheendra, Consultant, India
Totally agreed Mr. Kamal, we create misfits (or avoid creating them) by trying to promote our own people irrespective of caliber or requirement. The human need to be good to the society does less good and more harm in an organizational setup.
Once a team of my people is formed, I become their undisputed leader (which could be the ulterior motive) of doing good to the society. This mentality has flourished through generations across geographies. Removal of such mindset is a tough task.
I totally agree with you that humans tend to have a group of "yes sir/madam" people around them. This is a result of "basic insecurity" of a human to live on his/her own. The herd mentality prevails and I feel the need of my herd around me. If people don't fit in, they are branded / isolated.
I think in Qatar you must have observed this. I can see the pain in your words. Correct me if I am wrong.
  

 







 

  Do you wish to study further? You can learn more from the summary, forum, discussions, lessons, courses, training, instructions, expert tips, best practices and education sources. Register.  


Special Interest Group Leader

You here

More on Cultural Intelligence
Summary
Forum
Best Practices
Expert Tips
Resources

About 12manage | Advertising | Link to us | Privacy | Terms of Service
Copyright 2017 12manage - The Executive Fast Track. V14.1 - Last updated: 16-8-2017. All names tm by their owners.